The Plastic Problem & What We Can Do About It As Consumers
The Plastic Problem
While visiting my hometown over Memorial Day weekend, my mom and I watched Plastic Wars , a Frontline documentary about the history of plastic. Spoiler alert: the oil industry — the makers of plastic — spent tens of millions of dollars convincing Americans that it was okay to use plastic because it could and should all be recycled . That is not at all true and never was. The recycling program, as it exists today, was created to sell more plastic. Even though, according to the joint investigation by NPR and the PBS series Frontline, the “plastics industry had "serious doubt" recycling would ever be viable.”
Today, plastic is being deemed “the New Big Tobacco.” because once again advertising has swayed consumers to believe something that is not true. But we are recycling the plastic so that’s good for the earth right? Wrong. The truth is, in the US only 5% of plastics were recycled in 2022 (1)Globally, less than 20% of plastics were recycled that same year.
Plastic bags, bottles and many other wastes are causing widespread harm to humans, marine and coastal ecosystems and the problem is getting worse. Scientists are finding microplastics in almost every part of the body, including lungs and the stomach , prompting questions about how they may be harmful.
A recent study suggests microplastics may increase the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems among people with heart disease. The tiny plastics were found to double the risk of stroke or heart attack. Depending on the source of the plastic, microplastics can be contaminated with toxic chemical additives during the manufacturing process. If a chemical additive enters the body, it can leach out into the body and harm the hormone and reproductive systems . Similarly, pollutants or microorganisms can also jump on microplastic particles and pose health risks to humans . Studies on mice showed exposure to microplastics can disrupt the gut biome , lower sperm quality and testosterone , and impair learning and memory . ( EWG )
Roughly 9.1 billion tons of plastic waste produced since the 1950s.
What We Can Do About It
At the end of the Frontline documentary, Plastic Wars , my mom said, “But, wait, what do we do about it?”
So, I’ve collected a short list of things I’ve begun to implement in my own life. Things to reduce my use of plastic. If you’re new to the action of choosing to reduce your own plastic use, no worries. I recommend you pick just ONE of these to start with. And then maybe you choose another a month from now, until you begin to adjust and direct your awareness in a way that changes your behavior and eventually becomes natural. Never forget, choosing to be a conscious consumer is a long journey. So be patient with yourself and focus on progress, not perfection.
DOWNLOAD THE PLASTIC ALTERNATIVE CHECKLIST
How to Reduce Plastic
GROCERY
1. Buy fresh over frozen
It is no surprise, frozen veggies come in plastic packaging. What I do to reduce plastic here is buy fresh produce. If I need the produce to last longer, I cut them and store them in Hugger Bags in the freezer. Full transparency, I am far from perfect here, especially with my less frequent grocery store ventures due to the pandemic. But I’ll never stop trying.
2. Bring fabric bags for fruit and veggies
Many stores are allowing this again. It’s an easy add to your to-go grocery bags. Here is a sustainable fabric bag , don’t be fooled most of the one’s sold in grocery stores are made of polyester (plastic).
3. Bring reusable bags
Like our favorite SISTAIN tote made of recycled materials. This plastic reducing tip has been around the longest and it’s easy to implement.
4. Buy big
One large plastic bottle is better than a few small ones, because it means there's just less plastic overall. Also, it’s more cost-effective.
KITCHEN
1. Use Hugger Bags at home
I already referenced this inthe grocery section titledbuy fresh over frozen, but I’ll say it again, Hugger Bags are incredibly versatile, they have become my to-go containers as well as my frozen veggies and fruit packaging. You can throw them in the dishwasher, and the best part? They allow for more space in your fridge and freezer, they’re made of pure platinum silicone (not plastic) and are endlessly reusable.
2. Use Beeswax food wrap
Beeswax food wrap is my favorite way to store cheese. Reusable for up to a year. Once it has stopped sticking, you can cut up your wrap and add to your compost pile, or use it as a natural fire starter.
3. Cut your own fruit
I know sometimes it’s so tempting to buy the cantaloupe in a plastic container, already cut up, looking so fresh. But, here’s the thing. The cantaloupe may take 5 minutes to cut up. The plastic takes hundreds of years to break down. Slow down and take the extra few minutes it takes to cut up the fruit. The earth will thank you.
4. Choose sustainable storage containers
We need more than Hugger Bags to store leftover food, for larger storage needs — stainless steel or glass storage containers are the way to go. These stylish bamboo storage containers are made of recycled bamboo fiber and beechwood. Glass storage is another good way to go.
5. Buy eco-friendly dish brush and sponges
Did you know that most sponges are made of plastic? Next time you need a new dish brush or sponge, choose one made of natural materials, such as bamboo or wood, like this multipurpose cleaning brush , this Casa Agave™ Long Handle Dish Brush or this lifelong sponge .
GARDEN
1. Grow your own herbs
I just started my indoor herb garden and it honestly makes my heart so happy. Growing your own herbs is rewarding and an awesome way to reduce plastic, and save money.
2. Grow your own salad
Lettuce is one of the easiest plants to grow. It also tastes so much better than when you buy it at the store, because what is more fresh then going outside, harvesting some lettuce, washing it, then eating it for dinner? And you do not need a whole garden bed to grow lettuce, you can easily grow it in a pot or planter.
CLEANING & LAUNDRY
If you have access to a refillery that is ultimately the best option for cleaning supplies, since you can fill and refill your cleaning supplies while reducing waste. At a refillery you can bring your own glass bottle to refill with soaps, lotion, oils and cleaners.
1. Use vinegar & water
Have you ever thought about how much plastic waste there is in cleaning supplies? Vinegar and water is a good alternative option to cut down on plastic waste.
2. Swap to sustainable made cleaning products
Branch Basics is hands down the absolute best non-toxic cleaning product that actually works.
3. Choose a more sustainable laundry detergent
Branch Basics laundry detergent works really well too. Especially their Oxygen Boost to whiten and brighten and remove stains.
Another option you can find at most grocery stores is packaged Seventh Generation detergent . It’s made from used paper, namely 70% recycled cardboard and 30% recycled newspaper, which is molded into a rigid shape you can grab and pour just like a conventional plastic bottle. Inside this shell is a clever plastic pouch that contains the detergent. When the bottle's empty, you take off the cap, pop open the shell, and pull out the pouch. Drop all three in your home recycling bin*. Or you could compost the shell.
LEARN MORE: SUSTAINABLE LAUNDRY GUID E
4. Swap liquid dish soap for a bar of dish soap
I use our bar of dish soap . And it’s surprisingly effective! Just wet the dish scrubber under water to make the soap a little sudsy.
ON-THE-GO
1. Bring your own water bottle and coffee cup
This one is an old trick, but what you maybe did not know is that Americans ingest an estimated 74,000 to 121,000 microplastic particles every year. (3) Where do they come from? The highest contributors: Air, bottled water and seafood. One solution to decreasing the amount of microplastics you ingest? Stop drinking out of plastic bottles! You are ingesting plastic when you use them. Bring your own water bottle instead.
Our favorite to-go water bottle? The Purist Mover leak-proof and keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for 24.
And our favorite to-go coffee cup? The Kinto Tumbler for a seal-tight experience and Stojo travel cup for when traveling because of it’s collapsibilty.
2. Carry cutlery
If you’re ordering takeout, request no utensils. Pick up some on-the-go cutlery that’s easy to throw in your purse.
3. Say no to plastic straws
We, as consumers, have so much power. If we collectively tell restaurants, do not bring me a straw, they do eventually listen. And if you still do not understand this trend toward less straws, just google “Sea Turtle with Straw up its Nostril, ” a viral video that will make you never want to use another plastic straw ever. But warning, it’s graphic. Our recommendation, buy these glass straws instead.
BATHROOM
1. Buy a bamboo toothbrush
3.5 billion toothbrushes are sold worldwide each year. Most get lost in the recycling process and end up in landfill or make their way into rivers and oceans. These toothbrushes are made from polypropylene plastic and nylon and can take up to 500 years or more to decompose. (6)
While bamboo toothbrush handles only take around six months to compost.
To be honest, I use a Sonicare. This is one area of I choose the health of my teeth over sustainability.
2. Swap your liquid soap with a bar or refillable soap
Our team tested about 10 different types of shampoo and conditioner bars and we like HiBar shampoo and conditioner , and absolutely loved Davitas shampoo bar .
These bars of soap I use as body and hand wash. But also do love this non-toxic refillable hand soap by Soapply .
3. Use a plastic-free chrome or stainless steel razor
I currently use the Twig Razor for my bikini line and Leaf Razor for my legs and underarms . Take it slow while transitioning the blades are sharp when new.
